The Service Readiness & Cutover Lead is responsible for planning, governing, and executing end-to-end service readiness activities for large-scale network transformation programmes. This role combines senior project management capability with deep network engineering expertise to ensure seamless migration from legacy environments to a modern network, with minimal disruption and a controlled handover into Service Management
Location : UK, Bristol (hybrid)
Key Responsibilities
Service Readiness & Hypercare Management
Own and deliver the Warrant & Hypercare strategy for network migrations (sites/buildings).
Create and maintain a detailed warrant and Hypercare Plan, including:
o Tasks, dependencies, milestones, risks, and gating criteria.
o Entry/Exit criteria for warranty, Hypercare and BAU handover.
Define, implement, and operate warranty & Hypercare phase governance, decision points,
acceptance criteria, and reporting aligned to programme governance.
Ensure all service, operational, and technical prerequisites are met before BAU approval.
Define and agree handover artefacts to Service Management (Runbooks, SOPs, CMDB updates,
support models).
Ensure alignment with ITSM processes (Incident, Change, Problem, Configuration, Knowledge).
Work closely with SIAM/Service Operations teams to ensure a smooth transition into BAU.
Support Operational Acceptance Testing (OAT) sign-off for network services.
Act as a central coordination point between:
o Network engineering teams
o Service Management / SIAM
o Test & Assurance teams
o Multiple third-party suppliers and client stakeholders
Lead, operational readiness checkpoints, and go/no-go governance.
Provide structured status reporting, RAID management, and executive updates.
Own and manage Service Readiness & Cutover risks within the programme RAID.
Ensure traceability between requirements, testing, cutover, and service acceptance.
Drive continuous improvement of readiness and cutover processes across waves/buildings.
Ensure compliance with security, operational, and regulatory requirements.
Required Experience
15+ years’ experience in IT Infrastructure or Network programmes.
Strong background as a Network Engineer before moving into programme / transition roles.
Proven experience managing Service Readiness, Cutover, and Transition for:
o Network migrations
o Campus/building migrations
o Large enterprise or public-sector environments.
Strong understanding of ITSM / Service Transition principles.
Hands-on experience with:
o Enterprise LAN/WAN & WiFi networks, routing and switching.
o Firewalls & network security
o SDWAN and WAN transition
Experience running cutover bridges, hyper care, and early life support.
Strong stakeholder management and supplier coordination skills.
Desirable
Experience working within SIAM environments.
Experience across public sector or higher education networks.
Familiarity with ITSM tools (e.g., ServiceNow, BMC Helix).
Exposure to structured testing approaches (SVT, OAT, UAT).
PRINCE2 / PMP / Agile PM certification.
ITIL v4 certification.
Network certifications (e.g., CCNP, CCIE, equivalent).
Company Description:
Techaxis is a US-based firm that specializes in discovering, engaging, and placing top talent globally, for full-time or contract positions in leadership and mid to senior-level positions for companies in the technology, healthcare, energy, and education space. Techaxis Inc. is headquartered in Northern Virginia, USA. We are ranked #3294 in Inc 5000 and #105 in Inc 5000 DC Metro Series, SWaM, and WBE Certified technology talent search firm.
Equal Opportunities Employer:
Our clients provide equal opportunities to all its employees and all qualified applicants for employment, without regard to their race, caste, religion, color, ancestry, marital status, sex, age, nationality, disability, and veteran status. Employees of our client shall be treated with dignity and in accordance with their policy to maintain a work environment free of sexual harassment, whether physical, verbal, or psychological. Employee policies and practices shall be administered in a manner that would ensure that in all matters equal opportunity is provided to those eligible and the decisions are merit-based.